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Backyard Conservation: where food security begins

© Bob Ewing

Cool, wet weather settled over the past week, not wet enough to do the plants any good, little rain, just mist. Temperatures hit lows of 2 Celsius and only highs of 14, not totally unusual, but below the seasonal average. At least, it kept the tent caterpillars in check. The main problem with this weather, is that the plants in my balcony and backyard gardens are not getting enough heat. The perennials are doing fine and so are the potatoes. The beans and peas are coming along but the cut-flower plot is a sad sight.

At least, the area of the lawn that has been left as grass, is also growing slowly. Each year, I try and convince my partner that we need to convert another patch of grass into either a garden or a wildlife habitat. So far so good. You can, not only increase your personal food security by enlarging your graden through techniques such as ,edible landscaping but you provide food and shelter for other creatures as well.

The practise of backyard conservation has many rewards. The beginning or experienced gardener can learn much about conservation methods by dropping by Suite 101's gardening section. The first step you will want to take is to find out what bylaws govern your neighbourhood and if they do not permit you to convert your lawn then you may want to plant a tree while working to change them. Trees serve many purposes, just make sure you select one that is appropriate for the space you have and the landscaping projects you are planning.

Midsummer or Summer Solistice

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